Abstract:
A mask pattern for multiple exposure for forming a resist pattern with an unvarying pattern pitch on a semiconductor wafer, which is utilized as in case where a mask pattern under a design having the width of an aperture pattern smaller than the width of a light-shielding pattern is used at one exposure, wherein the mask pattern for multiple exposure has a pattern pitch that is the same as that of the mask pattern under design and has the width of an aperture pattern greater than the width of a light-shielding pattern.
Abstract:
A mask pattern for multiple exposure for forming a resist pattern with an unvarying pattern pitch on a semiconductor wafer, which is utilized as in case where a mask pattern under a design having the width of an aperture pattern smaller than the width of a light-shielding pattern is used at one exposure, wherein the mask pattern for multiple exposure has a pattern pitch that is the same as that of the mask pattern under design and has the width of an aperture pattern greater than the width of a light-shielding pattern.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a PDP that prevents defects due to dust adhering to a photomask, for example, from occurring in a structure of the PDP. In photolithography, exposure is performed twice in a same process, and photomask (22) is moved within an allowable range of displacement in an exposure pattern, between a first and a second exposures. Photomask (22) is exposed twice in total before and after moving photomask (22). Region (21a), an unexposed region due to interruption of dust (22b) attached to photomask (22), can be suppressed, enabling pattern exposure on photosensitive Ag paste film (21) to be favorably performed.
Abstract:
A process for preparing a flexographic printing plate comprising providing a photosensitive element comprising a support and at least one photopolymerizable layer, providing a photomask adjacent the photopolymerizable layer opposite the support, exposing the photosensitive element with ultraviolet radiation between 200 and 300 nm through the photomask, exposing the photosensitive element with ultraviolet radiation between 310 and 400 nm through the photomask to photopolymerize areas of the photopolymerizable layer, and treating the exposed photosensitive element to remove unpolymerized areas, thereby forming a relief surface suitable for printing.
Abstract:
A double exposure process is performed using a halftone phase shift mask (11) including gate patterns (1), assist patterns (2a) and (2b) with different resoluble line widths, and an assist pattern (2c) with a line width equal to or smaller than a resolution limit which are respectively inserted into portions in each of which a distance between the gate patterns (1) is large, and a Levenson phase shift mask (11) including shifter patterns (3) corresponding to the gate patterns (1) of the photomask 11. On this occasion, the assist patterns (2a), (2b), and (2c) are erased and only the gate patterns (1) are transferred. Consequently, when patterns are transferred by the double exposure process, a common depth of focus of the patterns is improved and highly uniform line widths are realized, which makes it possible to manufacture a highly reliable semiconductor device.
Abstract:
A method of forming a feature pattern in a photosensitive layer includes forming the photosensitive layer on a substrate, providing a first mask having a first opaque area thereon, and performing a first exposure process with a first dose to form a first unexposed image in the photosensitive layer. The method further includes performing a second exposure process with a second dose to expose sidewalls of the first unexposed image so that the sidewalls of the first unexposed image receive at least a portion of the second dose thus forming a second unexposed image in the photosensitive layer, and developing the photosensitive layer with a developing process to form the feature pattern and to create features having smaller widths than those which would result in developing the photosensitive layer of the first unexposed image.
Abstract:
An initial layout of an integrated circuit device is separated into a set of definitions for use in a multiple exposure fabrication process. The separation begins with reading a portion of the initial layout and identifying one or more target features within the initial layout. Further, a first revised layout definition is created for a first mask and a second revised layout definition is created for a second mask. The first revised layout definition includes the target features inside the dark-field content. In addition, in one embodiment, the first revised layout definition includes clear areas around each target feature. The second layout definition includes one or more dark features inside the bright-field content. These dark features, when used in the multiple exposure fabrication process, will overlap the target features. The first and second masks may be binary masks, attenuated phase-shifting masks (PSMs) or a combination of a binary mask and an attenuated PSM.
Abstract:
An initial layout of an integrated circuit device is separated into a set of definitions for use in a multiple exposure fabrication process. The separation begins with reading a portion of the initial layout and identifying one or more target features within the initial layout. Further, a first revised layout definition is created for a first mask and a second revised layout definition is created for a second mask. The first revised layout definition includes the target features inside the dark-field content. In addition, in one embodiment, the first revised layout definition includes clear areas around each target feature. The second layout definition includes one or more dark features inside the brightfield content. These dark features, when used in the multiple exposure fabrication process, will overlap the target features. The first and second masks may be binary masks, attenuated phase-shifting masks (PSMs) or a combination of a binary mask and an attenuated PSM.
Abstract:
A method for forming a clear code mark that is independent of backend planarization by adding an extra exposing step to the normal photolithography process is described. A layer to be patterned is provided on a substrate. A photoresist layer is coated overlying the layer to be patterned. The photoresist layer is first exposed through a code mask and second exposed through a patterning mask. The photoresist layer is developed to form a photoresist mask having a code mark pattern from the code mask and a device pattern from the patterning mask. The layer to be patterned is etched away where it is not covered by the photoresist mask to form simultaneously device structures and a code mark in the fabrication of an integrated circuit device.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for double-sided imaging of a plurality of photoresist-coated substrates is provided. The apparatus includes a first and second substrate holder comprising at least three extendable chucks, each adapted to hold the substrate. The first substrate holder is mounted about a first axis and the second substrate holder is mounted about a second axis such that the at least three chucks are capable of rotation about the first axis between at least a first, second and third chuck positions. A first transfer arm is disposed adjacent the first substrate holder and adapted to transfer the substrate to a chuck of the first substrate holder when the chuck is in the first chuck position. A first mask is positioned adjacent the chuck in the second chuck position of the first substrate holder. A second mask is provided adjacent the chuck in the second chuck position of the second substrate holder. At least one radiation source is provided for emitting radiation through the first and second masks toward the chucks in the second chuck position of each of the first and second substrate holders. A second transfer arm adjacent the second substrate holder and adapted to transfer a substrate from the third chuck position of the second substrate holder.